I. Objectives/Goals

The Head of the Department of Garment Engineering is responsible for leading the department toward the following core goals:

1. Deliver Competency-Based Engineering Education: Provide a robust academic and practical program in garment engineering that equips students with the technical, analytical, and managerial skills needed in the textile and apparel industries.
2. Bridge Engineering with Fashion and Manufacturing: Integrate principles of mechanical, industrial, and materials engineering with garment design, production, and quality control to meet modern industry needs.
3. Promote Innovation and Technology Adoption: Encourage the use of advanced technologies such as CAD/CAM, automated cutting/sewing, and sustainable production systems within the curriculum and research.
4. Produce Industry-Ready, Ethical Graduates: Prepare engineers who are not only skilled in garment production and process optimization but also uphold professional ethics and sustainability values.
5. Strengthen Research and Development: Foster research in areas such as textile engineering, ergonomic design, lean manufacturing, and environmentally friendly garment production.
6. Support Staff Development and Academic Excellence: Build a strong, competent academic team through training, collaboration, and support for postgraduate education and professional development.
7. Build Strong Industry and Community Linkages: Collaborate with garment factories, textile mills, research institutions, and local enterprises to facilitate internships, research, and consultancy.

II. Duties and Responsibilities

A. Academic Leadership

•        Lead curriculum development, regular review, and implementation for undergraduate (and postgraduate if applicable) programs in Garment Engineering.
•        Ensure course offerings cover critical areas including fabric science, garment production systems, machine technology, quality assurance, and industrial engineering.

B. Administrative Management

•        Develop and manage departmental plans, budgets, procurement requests, and reports aligned with the university’s strategic goals.
•        Assign teaching, advising, and administrative duties to staff effectively and fairly.
•        Maintain accurate academic records and monitor program performance indicators.

C. Staff Development and Supervision

•        Supervise and mentor academic and technical staff to ensure high-quality teaching, lab management, and student support.
•        Conduct regular staff evaluations and support participation in training, conferences, and research activities.

D. Research and Innovation Promotion

•        Encourage staff and students to undertake applied research in apparel manufacturing, sustainable textiles, process engineering, and automation.
•        Facilitate publication, exhibition, and patenting of innovative designs and processes.

E. Student Support and Practical Training

•        Oversee student advising, final year project supervision, industrial attachment coordination, and skills development.
•        Promote student participation in garment exhibitions, entrepreneurship programs, competitions, and innovation hubs.

F. Industry Collaboration and Community Engagement

•        Strengthen partnerships with garment manufacturers, textile industries, training centers, and cooperatives.
•        Facilitate real-world exposure for students through factory visits, industry-led workshops, and collaborative projects.
•        Lead outreach initiatives to support local SMEs, women’s cooperatives, and rural garment production initiatives.

G. Quality Assurance and Compliance

•        Implement internal quality assurance processes in line with university standards and national accreditation bodies like HERQA.
•        Collect and act on feedback from students, alumni, employers, and industry partners to improve program relevance and delivery.

H. Strategic Leadership and Institutional Participation

•        Represent the department in university councils, college boards, and academic commissions.
•        Align departmental planning with Wolkite University's mission of excellence in science, technology, and community service.
•        Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and innovation within the department.